Oh, my dear Father, more slang,
more slang!
_Pater_. (_getting very red_). And what if there is? What's that to
you? You don't pay for my education, do you?
_Jacky_ (_quickly_). No. If I did, I could not declare that I was
satisfied with your progress!
_Pater_. (_indignantly_). You little prig, I--
_Jacky_ (_calmly interrupting_). Pray do not excite yourself. I am
only doing my duty. I am merely attempting to instruct those less
polished than myself. Surely I may regard such an action with
satisfaction?
_Pater_. (_furious_). You shall go back to school at once!
_Jacky_. I am afraid that that is scarcely practicable. If you will
refer to the slip that accompanied my school-bill, you will notice
that the Vacation does not cease until the 20th of September.
_Pater_. And a nice school-bill! Why they charged everything as an
extra!
_Jacky_. Surely such a matter is scarcely within my province?
According to statute, my dear Father, you are bound to provide for me
until (if my memory does not betray me) I reach the age of sixteen. As
I am now five years younger than that limit, it is clearly your duty
to support me.
_Pater_. Why, Sir, you are insupportable!
_Jacky_ (_smiling_). I see--a joke--very good! But, my dear Sir, do
you think it quite dignified to make so small a jest in my presence?
It is calculated to lessen my respect for you.
_Pater_. Well I never!
_Jacky_. Never what? You have not completed the sentence.
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